United Kingdom

I inherited a vast rambling grape vine at my new property which had been allowed to climb over the shed roof, and 30 feet up a pine tree. Consequently it had very small, poor quality fruits the last two years. Having read up on how to prune it, I cut it back quite dramatically, to two buds, just before Christmas, when the sap was dormant, and it did not bleed at all at the time.

I now have new buds forming all over which is encouraging, but 4 places where I had to cut quite thick vines to get it out of the tree, (slightly thicker than my thumb) have now started bleeding alarmingly. A steady drip, drip. I bought some "prune & seal" gum made by Arbex, and have applied two coats, first scorching the cut ends with a blow torch as directed on the instructions, but it has had no effect. The sap still oozes unchecked, and is probably preventing the gum from setting.

I guess I should sealed it when I first pruned it, and it was a dry wound, but I was advised it wouldn't be necessary.
Will it stop bleeding as new growth develops and takes up the sap, or is it likely to bleed to death?

Any ideas for stopping it?

Many thanks guys

• 7 Apr, 2009